Aerosol provision device and system

Abstract

The present application discloses an aerosol provision device and system. The device comprises a housing and an extractor. The housing comprises a heating chamber and an opening arranged at the top of the heating chamber. The extractor has a passage for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The extractor is arranged within the heating chamber and capable of reciprocating between a first position and a second position along the depth direction of the heating chamber, and the extractor is locked in place when moving towards the bottom of the heating chamber to the first position, and limited in movement when moving away from the first position towards the opening to the second position. When the extractor is at the first position, it disengages from the first position in response to a downward first force; when the extractor is at the second position, it enters the first position in response to a downward second force.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE AND SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol provision, and particularly to an aerosol provision device and system.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] An aerosol provision system includes an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article (e.g., a tobacco article). The aerosol-generating article is inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol provision device, and the aerosol provision device heats the aerosol-generating article to produce an aerosol.

[0006] As a consumable, the aerosol-generating article needs to be removed after heating. To prevent the aerosol-generating article from breaking and remaining in the heating chamber during removal, current solutions involve providing an extractor in the chamber of the aerosol provision device. The aerosol-generating article is inserted into the extractor, and after heating, the extractor and the aerosol-generating article are removed together. The aerosol-generating article is then pulled out from the extractor. However, the operational logic of existing extractors differs from the traditional logic of handling cigarettes, and the operation is not user- friendly. After smoking, users may still directly grip the aerosol-generating article for removal. When the removal angle is incorrect or the friction between the inserted portion of the aerosolgenerating article and the aerosol provision device is high, the aerosol-generating article may break and remain in the heating chamber of the extractor, leading to cleaning difficulties.

[0007] Summary

[0008] There is provided an aerosol provision device and system which may assist with convenient extraction of aerosol-generating articles.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising: a housing, which comprises a heating chamber arranged within the housing and an opening located at the top of the heating chamber; and an extractor, which has a passage for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The extractor is arranged within the heating chamber and is capable of reciprocating between a first position and a second position along a depth direction of the heating chamber. The extractor is locked when moving toward the bottom of the heating chamber to the first position, and its movement is limited when moving away from the first position toward the opening to the second position. When the extractor is at the first position, it disengages from the first position in response to a downward first force; when the extractor is at the second position, it enters the first position in response to a downward second force. In some embodiments of any of the above, the device further comprises a guiding component and a sliding component movable along the guiding component, either the guiding component or the sliding component being arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the extractor, and the other being arranged on an inner wall of the heating chamber. The guiding component may form a first path and a second path. When the sliding component reaches a preset position in the first path, the extractor may be located at the first position. When the sliding component reaches a preset position in the second path, the extractor may be located at the second position.

[0010] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first path and the second path are grooves formed in the inner wall of the heating chamber and at least partially encircling the extractor in a circumferential direction, the grooves constituting the first path and the second path respectively having groove tops recessed toward the top of the extractor, the highest groove top of the first path being lower than the highest groove top of the second path. The sliding component may be locked in the first position when it reaches the highest groove top of the first path, or it is limited to the second position when it reaches the highest groove top of the second path.

[0011] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first path and the second path are arranged circumferentially along the extractor.

[0012] In some embodiments of any of the above, the number of the first paths and the second paths are both multiple, the first paths and the second paths being arranged circumferentially along the extractor in an interleaved manner and sequentially connected and communicating with each other.

[0013] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first paths and the second paths are connected to form a closed annular passage around the extractor.

[0014] In some embodiments of any of the above, the guiding component is configured to allow one-way movement of the sliding component along the circumferential direction of the extractor.

[0015] In some embodiments of any of the above, a guiding surface is arranged between the first path and the second path, the guiding surface being configured to guide the sliding component to move from an upstream path to a downstream path.

[0016] In some embodiments of any of the above, a unidirectional non-return structure is arranged between the first path and the second path. The unidirectional non-return structure may be configured to prevent the sliding component from moving reversely.

[0017] In some embodiments of any of the above, the guiding component further comprises a stopper, the stopper being located in the first path. When the extractor is subjected to the first force, the guiding component may move along the first path until it enters the stopper. When the extractor is subjected to the second force, the guiding component may disengage from the stopper and moves along the second path. In some embodiments of any of the above, the device further comprises a driving component, the driving component being configured to drive the extractor from the first position toward the second position.

[0018] In some embodiments of any of the above, the driving component is a first elastic component arranged between the housing and the extractor, the first elastic component being compressed and accumulating an upward elastic force when the extractor is in the first position, and pushing the extractor to move toward the second position when the extractor disengages from the first position.

[0019] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first elastic component is arranged at the bottom of the extractor.

[0020] In some embodiments of any of the above, the first elastic component comprises a coil spring.

[0021] In some embodiments of any of the above, the device further comprises a heating component, the heating component being movable along the depth direction of the heating chamber, when the extractor is in the first position, the heating component is in a working position; when the extractor is in the second position, the heating component is in a nonworking initial position.

[0022] In some embodiments of any of the above, the heating component comprises a base support and a heating element, the heating element being fixed on the base support, the heating component being configured to push the base support to continue moving downward along the depth direction of the heating chamber to the working position when the extractor is inserted downward into the heating chamber and contacts the base support.

[0023] In some embodiments of any of the above, the initial position of the heating component is lower than the second position.

[0024] In some embodiments of any of the above, a base is arranged on a side of the housing away from the opening, a second elastic component is arranged between the heating component and the base, the second elastic component being compressed and accumulating an upward elastic force when the extractor is in the first position, and pushing the heating component to return to the initial position toward the opening when the extractor disengages from the first position.

[0025] In some embodiments of any of the above, the second elastic component comprises a coil spring.

[0026] In some embodiments of any of the above, the second elastic component is arranged in the base support.

[0027] In some embodiments of any of the above, a guide structure is arranged between the base support and the base, the guide structure comprising a guide groove and a guide strip in sliding fit with the guide groove, either the guide groove or the guide strip being arranged on the base support, while the other is arranged on the base.

[0028] In some embodiments of any of the above, the base support comprises a base support main body and a protection plate arranged surrounding the base support main body, the heating element being fixed on the base support main body, the protection plate extending to a side away from the heating element. The base may be at least partially accommodated in the space enclosed by the protection plate, the second elastic component being arranged between the base support main body and the base.

[0029] In some embodiments of any of the above, either the guide groove or the guide strip is arranged on an outer wall of the base, while the other is arranged on an inner wall of the protection plate.

[0030] In some embodiments of any of the above, the base is provided with a base passage, the base support further comprises a guide body fixed on the base support main body, the guide body partially enters the base passage, and either the guide groove or the guide strip is arranged on an outer wall of the guide body, while the other is arranged on an inner wall of the base passage.

[0031] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision system, the system comprising an aerosol-generating article and the aerosol provision device of any described above. The aerosol-generating article may be removably arranged in the aerosol provision device.

[0032] One or more of the following beneficial effects may be realized.

[0033] The extractor is arranged in the heating chamber and is capable of reciprocating between the first position and the second position along the depth direction of the heating chamber. When subjected to the downward first force, the extractor moves from the first position to the second position; when subjected to the downward second force, the extractor moves from the second position to the first position. When the extractor is in the second position, the user can perform insertion and removal operations of the aerosol-generating article; when the extractor is in the first position, it extends into the heating chamber, facilitating heating of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] During the movement of the extractor from the first position to the second position, the extractor drives the aerosol-generating article to generate relative displacement with the heating chamber, separating the aerosol-generating article from the heating element in the heating chamber and reducing the friction between the aerosol-generating article and the heating element. Thereafter, the user can grip the aerosol-generating article to remove it from the extractor, reducing the chance of breakage during removal. Throughout the insertion and removal process of the aerosol-generating article, a force only needs to be applied to the extractor to change the relative position between the extractor and the heating chamber, without separating the extractor from the housing. This may simplify the user's operation process, align with ergonomic logic, and provide a better user experience.

[0035] According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a heating chamber defined in the housing; an opening to the heating chamber; and an extractor having a passage for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, the extractor being in the heating chamber and configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position along the a depth direction of the heating chamber, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured such that: the extractor is releasably retained in the first position when the extractor is moved from the second position into the first position; the extractor is restricted from movement beyond the second position; the extractor is releasable from the first position in response to a downward first force; and the extractor is movable from the second position to the first position in response to a downward second force.

[0036] According to a further aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol provision device, wherein at least part of the aerosol-generating article is removably receivable in the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device may be according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0037] Additional aspects and advantages will be partially described in the following description.

[0038] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present application will become more understandable. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 1 ;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic partial structural cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the structure shown in Figure 3;

[0044] Figure 5 is an exploded schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 4;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of a heating component combined with a base;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating component of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a schematic structural view of the base of Figure 6;

[0047] Figure 9 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of a housing for an aerosol provision device;

[0048] Figure 10 is a schematic part-transparent structural view of an extractor cooperating with the housing shown in Figure 9;

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of the extractor of Figure 10 in a second position and the heating component and base of Figure 6;

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of the extractor of Figure 10 in a first position;

[0051] Figure 13 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of the extractor of Figure 10 driving the heating component to move toward the base;

[0052] Figure 14 is a schematic part-transparent view of the movement process of the structure shown in Figure 3 when subjected to a first force and a second force;

[0053] Figure 15 is a schematic structural cross-sectional view of another housing for use in an aerosol provision device;

[0054] Figure 16 is a schematic structural perspective view of another extractor for use in an aerosol provision device;

[0055] Figure 17 is a schematic structural part-transparent view of the extractor shown in Figure 16 cooperating with the housing shown in Figure 15.

[0056] Description of Drawing Label:

[0057] 10: Aerosol provision device; 11 : Outer shell; 12: Battery module; 13: Heating module; 20: Aerosol-generating article; 100: Housing; 101 : Heating chamber; 102: Opening; 103: First through-hole; 200: Extractor; 201 : Passage; 202: Receiving port; 203: Second through-hole; 300: Heating component; 301 : Heating element; 302: Base support; 303: Base support main body; 304: Protection plate; 305: Guide body; 306: Guide groove; 400: Base; 401 : Base passage; 402: Guide strip; 403: First elastic component; 404: Second elastic component; 500: Guiding component; 501 : Sliding component; 502: First sliding component; 503: Second sliding component; 610: First groove body; 611 : First groove wall; 612: Second groove wall; 613: First groove top; 620: Second groove body; 621 : Third groove wall; 622: Fourth groove wall; 623: First groove bottom; 630: Third groove body; 631 : Fifth groove wall; 6311 : First groove wall segment; 6312: Second groove wall segment; 632: Sixth groove wall; 633: Second groove top; 640: Fourth groove body; 641 : Seventh groove wall; 642: Eighth groove wall; 643: Second groove bottom; 710: First recess; 711 : First recess wall; 712: Second recess wall; 713: First recess bottom; 720: Second recess; 721 : Third recess wall; 722: Fourth recess wall; 723: First recess top; 730: Third recess; 731 : Fifth recess wall; 732: Sixth recess wall; 733: Second recess bottom; 740: First gap; 741 : First transition surface; 750: Fourth recess; 751 : Seventh recess wall; 752: Eighth recess wall; 753: Third recess bottom; 760: Fifth recess; 761 : Ninth recess wall; 7611 : First recess wall segment; 7612: Second recess wall segment; 762: Tenth recess wall; 763: Second recess top; 770: Sixth recess; 771 : Eleventh recess wall; 772: Twelfth recess wall; 773: Fourth recess bottom; 780: Second gap; 781 : Second transition surface.

[0058] Detailed Description

[0059] The following describes some embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0060] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0061] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0062] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0063] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0064] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0066] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0068] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0069] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0070] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0071] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosolmodifying agent.

[0072] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0073] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosolformer materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0074] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0075] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0076] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0077] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0078] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0079] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0080] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0081] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0082] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0083] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0084] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid” , which may alternatively be referred to as a ” monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0085] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0086] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0087] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0088] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0089] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0090] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0091] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material. An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0092] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0093] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol-generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer” ) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol-generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol-generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0094] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0095] As described in the background art, although existing aerosol provision devices provide an extractor to assist in the removal of aerosol-generating articles, inconvenient operations still lead to situations where users directly pull the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol provision device, causing the article to break. To reduce improper user operations and enhance the user experience during insertion and removal of the article, the present disclosure provides an aerosol provision device and system. By structurally improving the aerosol provision device, a novel insertion and removal operation method is realized, thereby improving user experience and reducing misoperations.

[0096] The structure of the aerosol provision device and system of the present application will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0097] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the structure of the aerosol provision device. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol provision device 10 includes an outer shell 11 , a heating module 13, and a battery module 12 arranged inside the outer shell 11. The battery module 12 is configured to supply power to the heating module 13. The heating module 13 can heat the aerosol-generating article 20 received therein when electrically energized, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0098] Referring to Figures 3-5, the heating module 13 includes a housing 100 and an extractor 200. The housing 100 defines a heating chamber 101 , and the housing 100 defines an opening 102. The surface of the housing 100 defines the opening 102. The opening 102 is located at a top end of the heating chamber 101 and communicating with the heating chamber 101 . The extractor 200 defines a passage 201 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 20. The extractor 200 is arranged within the heating chamber 101.

[0099] A bottom end of the heating chamber opposes the top end of the heating chamber. The expressions “downward”, “depth direction” and “lower” refer to a direction substantially from the top end of the heating chamber towards the bottom end of the heating chamber. The expression “higher” refers to a direction substantially from the bottom end of the heating chamber towards the top end of the heating chamber.

[0100] The extractor 200 is arranged to be reciprocated between a first position and a second position. The reciprocating between the first position and the second position is along a depth direction of the heating chamber 101. The aerosol provision device is configured such that the extractor is releasably retained in the first position when the extractor is moved from the second position into the first position. The aerosol provision device is configured such that the extractor is restricted from movement beyond the second position. The aerosol provision device is configured such that the extractor is releasable from the first position in response to a downward force. The aerosol provision device is configured such that the extractor is movable from the second position to the first position in response to a downward force.

[0101] The extractor 200 is locked when moving toward the bottom of the heating chamber 101 to the first position, and is limited in movement when moving away from the first position toward the opening 102 to the second position. When the extractor 200 is at the first position, it is configured to be disengaged from the first position in response to a downward first force. When the extractor 200 is at the second position, it is configured to enter the first position in response to a downward second force.

[0102] The depth direction of the heating chamber 101 is a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the opening 102. The depth direction of the heating chamber 101 is an axial direction of the aerosol provision device 10.

[0103] The first force and the second force may be pressing forces. The first force and the second force may be directly applied by the user to the extractor 200 or indirectly applied to the extractor 200, such as through the aerosol-generating article 20 or any other suitable component. When the extractor 200 is at the second position, the user can insert the aerosolgenerating article 20 into the extractor 200 or remove the aerosol-generating article 20 already in the extractor 200. When the extractor 200 is at the first position, the extractor 200 and the aerosol-generating article 20 extend into the heating chamber 101 , allowing the aerosolgenerating article 20 to be heated.

[0104] When the extractor 200 is at the second position, the user inserts the aerosolgenerating article 20 into the extractor 200 and applies the first force to the extractor 200, driving the extractor 200 to move toward the bottom of the heating chamber 101 until it is locked in the first position. The heating button or heating program on the aerosol provision device 10 may then be activated to heat the aerosol-generating article 20, thereby generating an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0105] After the inhalation session, the user applies the second force to the extractor 200, driving the extractor 200 to disengage from the first position. The extractor 200 further moves toward the opening 102 at the top of the heating chamber 101 until it reaches the second position. During the movement of the extractor 200 from the first position to the second position, the extractor 200 drives the aerosol-generating article 20 to generate relative displacement with the heating chamber 101 , separating the aerosol-generating article 20 from the heating element in the heating chamber 101 . This may reduce friction between the aerosol- generating article 20 and the heating element. Thereafter, the user can grip the aerosolgenerating article 20 to remove it from the extractor 200, reducing the chance of breakage during removal.

[0106] The aerosol provision device 10 further includes a guiding component 500 and a sliding component 501 movable along the guiding component 500. The sliding component 501 moves along the guiding component 500 to enable the extractor 200 to move relative to the heating chamber 101 . Either the guiding component 500 or the sliding component 501 is arranged on the extractor 200. Either the guiding component 500 or the sliding component 501 is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the extractor 200. The other of the guiding component 500 or the sliding component 501 is arranged on the heating chamber 101. The other of the guiding component 500 or the sliding component 501 is arranged on an inner wall of the heating chamber 101 .The guiding component 500 forms a first path and a second path; when the sliding component 501 reaches a preset position in the first path, the extractor 200 is located at the first position. When the sliding component 501 reaches a preset position in the second path, the extractor 200 is located at the second position.

[0107] In a possible implementation, the first path and the second path are grooves formed in the inner wall of the heating chamber 101. In embodiments, the grooves at least partially encircle the extractor 200 in a circumferential direction. The grooves constituting the first path and the second path respectively have groove tops recessed toward the top of the extractor 200. The highest groove top of the first path is lower than the highest groove top of the second path. The sliding component 501 is locked in the first position when it reaches the highest groove top of the first path, and is limited to the second position when it reaches the highest groove top of the second path. Here, the highest groove top of the first path may be configured as a stopper. The stopper is located in the first path; when the extractor 200 is subjected to the first force, the guiding component 500 moves along the first path until it enters the stopper, and when the extractor 200 is subjected to the second force, the guiding component 500 disengages from the stopper and moves along the second path.

[0108] In an embodiment, the guiding component 500 forms more than one first path and second path. In a possible implementation, the first paths and the second paths are arranged circumferentially along the extractor 200. In embodiments, the first paths and the second paths are arranged in an interleaved manner. In embodiments, the first paths and the second paths are sequentially connected and communicate with each other. Specifically, the first paths and the second paths may be connected to form a closed annular passage 201 around the extractor 200. In another possible implementation, the first paths and the second paths are not only arranged circumferentially along the extractor 200 in an interleaved manner but are also staggered in the length direction of the extractor 200. In an embodiment, multiple first paths encircle the extractor 200 circumferentially, with adjacent first paths spaced apart, and multiple second paths encircle the extractor 200 circumferentially, with adjacent second paths spaced apart.

[0109] The guiding component 500 may be configured to allow one-way movement of the sliding component 501 along the circumferential direction of the extractor 200. By providing a guiding surface between the first path and the second path, the sliding component 501 is guided to move from an upstream path to a downstream path. Here, the upstream path refers to the path immediately before the current path of the sliding component 501 , which is the path previously traversed by the sliding component 501 , and the downstream path refers to the path immediately after the current path of the sliding component 501 , which is the path to be traversed next by the sliding component 501.

[0110] A unidirectional non-return structure is provided between the first path and the second path to prevent the sliding component 501 from moving in a reverse direction. The unidirectional non-return structure is configured as part of the aforementioned guiding surface. For example, by setting the angle of the guiding surface, the sliding component 501 can only move in a predetermined direction, thereby achieving unidirectional non-return.

[0111] Figures 9-10 illustrate an implementation of the sliding component 501 cooperating with the guiding component 500. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first path and the second path are arranged in an interleaved manner along the inner wall of the heating chamber 101 and encircle the inner wall of the heating chamber 101 , forming a closed annular passage 201 around the extractor 200. The first path is composed of a first groove body 610 and a second groove body 620, and the second path is composed of a third groove body 630 and a fourth groove body 640. The first groove body 610 and the third groove body 630 protrude toward the opening 102 at the top of the heating chamber 101 , while the second groove body 620 and the fourth groove body 640 protrude toward the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The groove top of the first groove body 610 is lower than the groove top of the second groove body 620. The depth to which the second groove body 620 and the fourth groove body 640 protrude toward the bottom of the heating chamber 101 may be the same or different. When the sliding component 501 reaches the groove top of the first groove body 610, the extractor 200 is in the first position; when the sliding component 501 reaches the groove top of the third groove body 630, the extractor 200 is in the second position. During the movement of the sliding component 501 along the first path, the sliding component 501 sequentially passes through the first groove body 610 and the second groove body 620. During the movement of the sliding component 501 along the second path, the sliding component 501 sequentially passes through the third groove body 630 and the fourth groove body 640.

[0112] The first groove body 610 includes a first groove wall 611 , a second groove wall 612, and a first groove top 613 connecting the first groove wall 611 and the second groove wall 612. The first groove wall 611 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the sliding component 501 to slide toward the first groove top 613. The projection of the second groove wall 612 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 falls within the second groove body 620. The second groove wall 612 is substantially parallel or parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the sliding component 501 to move downward, in embodiments vertically downward, into the second groove body 620.

[0113] The second groove body 620 includes a third groove wall 621 , a fourth groove wall 622, and a first groove bottom 623 connecting the third groove wall 621 and the fourth groove wall 622. The third groove wall 621 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the sliding component 501 to slide toward the first groove bottom 623. The projection of the fourth groove wall 622 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 falls within the third groove body 630. The fourth groove wall 622 is substantially parallel or parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the sliding component 501 to move upward, in embodiments vertically upward, into the third groove body 630.

[0114] The third groove body 630 includes a fifth groove wall 631 , a sixth groove wall 632, and a second groove top 633 connecting the fifth groove wall 631 and the sixth groove wall 632. The fifth groove wall 631 includes a first groove wall segment 6311 and a second groove wall segment 6312. The second groove wall segment 6312 connects the first groove wall segment 6311 with the second groove top 633. The first groove wall segment 6311 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the sliding component 501 towards the second groove top 633. The projections of the second groove wall segment 6312 and the sixth groove wall 632 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 fall into the fourth groove body 640. Both the second groove wall segment 6312 and the sixth groove wall 632 are substantially parallel or parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the sliding component 501 downward, in embodiments vertically downward, into the fourth groove body 640.

[0115] The fourth groove body 640 includes a seventh groove wall 641 , an eighth groove wall 642, and a second groove bottom 643 connecting the seventh groove wall 641 and the eighth groove wall 642. The seventh groove wall 641 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the sliding component 501 towards the second groove bottom 643. The projection of the eighth groove wall 642 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 falls into the first groove body 610 The eighth groove wall 642 is substantially parallel or parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the sliding component 501 upward, in embodiments vertically upward, into the first groove body 610.

[0116] The groove walls of the aforementioned groove bodies constitute guiding surfaces. The groove walls may be used to guide the sliding component 501 from an upstream path to a downstream path. Moreover, during the movement of the sliding component 501 , the first groove wall 611 and the first groove wall segment 6311 restrict the sliding component 501 to move only in a predetermined direction, achieving unidirectional non-return.

[0117] Figures 15-17 illustrate another embodiment of the sliding component 501 cooperating with the guiding component 500. As shown in Figures 15-17, the first path and the second path are staggered in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101. Multiple first paths encircle the inner wall of the heating chamber 101 , and multiple second paths also encircle the inner wall of the heating chamber 101. A first gap 740 is provided between adjacent first paths. A second gap 780 is provided between adjacent second paths.

[0118] The first path is composed of a first recess 710, a second recess 720, a third recess 730, and the first gap 740. The second path is composed of a fourth recess 750, a fifth recess 760, a sixth recess 770, and the second gap 780. The second recess 720 and the fifth recess 760 protrude towards the opening 102 at the top of the heating chamber 101. The first recess 710, the third recess 730, the fourth recess 750, and the sixth recess 770 protrude towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The groove top of the second recess 720 is lower than the groove top of the fifth recess 760. The second recess 720 is shallower than the fifth recess 760. In the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , the first gap 740 is directly opposite the fifth recess 760, and the second gap 780 is directly opposite the second recess 720.

[0119] The sliding component 501 includes a first sliding component 502 and a second sliding component 503. The first sliding component 502 is configured to move along the first path, and the second sliding component 503 is configured to move along the second path. During the movement of the first sliding component 502 along the first path, the first sliding component 502 sequentially passes through the second recess 720 and the third recess 730, while the second sliding component 503 moves along the second gap 780. During the movement of the second sliding component 503 along the second path, the second sliding component 503 sequentially passes through the fifth recess 760 and the sixth recess 770, while the first sliding component 502 moves along the first gap 740.

[0120] The first recess 710 includes a first recess wall 711 , a second recess wall 712, and a first recess bottom 713 connecting the first recess wall 711 and the second recess wall 712. The first recess wall 711 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the first sliding component 502 towards the first recess bottom 713. The projection of the second recess wall 712 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 falls into the second recess 720, and the second recess wall 712 is parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the first sliding component 502 vertically upward into the second recess 720.

[0121] The second recess 720 includes a third recess wall 721 , a fourth recess wall 722, and a first recess top 723 connecting the third recess wall 721 and the fourth recess wall 722. The third recess wall 721 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the first sliding component 502 towards the first recess top 723. The projection of the fourth recess wall 722 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 extends into the third recess 730, and the fourth recess wall 722 is parallel or substantially parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the first sliding component 502 vertically downward into the third recess 730.

[0122] The third recess 730 includes a fifth recess wall 731 , a sixth recess wall 732, and a second recess bottom 733 connecting the fifth recess wall 731 and the sixth recess wall 732. The fifth recess wall 731 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the first sliding component 502 towards the second recess bottom 733. The projection of the sixth recess wall 732 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 extends into a first transition surface 741 between the first gap 740 and the fourth recess wall 722, and the fourth recess wall 722 is parallel or substantially parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the first sliding component 502 vertically upward to the first transition surface 741 and then entering the first gap 740 along the first transition surface 741.

[0123] The fourth recess 750 includes a seventh recess wall 751 , an eighth recess wall 752, and a third recess bottom 753 connecting the seventh recess wall 751 and the eighth recess wall 752. The seventh recess wall 751 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the second sliding component 503 towards the third recess bottom 753. The projection of the eighth recess wall 752 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 extends into the fifth recess 760, and the eighth recess wall 752 is parallel or substantially parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the second sliding component 503 vertically upward into the fifth recess 760.

[0124] The fifth recess 760 includes a ninth recess wall 761 , a tenth recess wall 762, and a second recess top 763 connecting the ninth recess wall 761 and the tenth recess wall 762. The ninth recess wall 761 includes a first recess wall segment 7611 and a second recess wall segment 7612. The second recess wall segment 7612 connects the first recess wall segment 7611 with the second recess top 763. The first recess wall segment 7611 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the second sliding component 503 towards the second recess top 763. The projections of the second recess wall segment 7612 and the tenth recess wall 762 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 extend into the sixth recess 770, and both the second recess wall segment 7612 and the tenth recess wall 762 are parallel or substantially parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , thereby guiding the second sliding component 503 vertically downward into the sixth recess 770.

[0125] The sixth recess 770 includes an eleventh recess wall 771 , a twelfth recess wall 772, and a fourth recess bottom 773 connecting the eleventh recess wall 771 and the twelfth recess wall 772. The eleventh recess wall 771 is configured as an inclined surface to guide the second sliding component 503 towards the fourth recess bottom 773. The projection of the twelfth recess wall 772 in the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 extends into a second transition surface 781 between the second gap 780 and the tenth recess wall 762, and the twelfth recess wall 772 is parallel or substantially parallel to the depth direction of the heating chamber 101, thereby guiding the second sliding component 503 vertically upward to the second transition surface 781 and then entering the second gap 780 along the second transition surface 781.

[0126] During the movement of the first sliding component 502, the groove walls of the first recess 710, the second recess 720, and the third recess 730, as well as the first transition surface 741, act as guiding surfaces to guide the first sliding component 502 from the upstream path to the downstream path. Moreover, during the movement of the first sliding component 502, the third recess wall 721 and the first transition surface 741 restrict the first sliding component 502 to move only in the predetermined direction, serving as a one-way check. During the movement of the second sliding component 503, the groove walls of the fourth recess 750, the fifth recess 760, and the sixth recess 770, as well as the second transition surface 781, act as guiding surfaces to guide the second sliding component 503 from the upstream path to the downstream path. Moreover, during the movement of the second sliding component 503, the ninth recess wall 761 and the second transition surface 781 restrict the second sliding component 503 to move only in the predetermined direction, serving as a one-way check.

[0127] The aerosol provision device 10 further includes a driving component configured to drive the extractor 200 from the first position towards the second position. In embodiments, the driving component is a first elastic component 403 arranged between the bottom of the housing 100 and the bottom of the extractor 200. The first elastic component 403 is compressed and accumulates an upward elastic force when the extractor 200 is in the first position, and it pushes the extractor 200 to move towards the second position when the extractor 200 disengages from the first position. Optionally, the first elastic component 403 may include a coil spring or an elastic sheet, or other structures or materials that can reset after compression, to achieve the movement of the extractor 200 during the reset process.

[0128] The above structure can be applied to aerosol provision devices using either circumferential heating or central heating. In aerosol provision devices using circumferential heating, the first elastic component 403 is arranged between the bottom of the extractor 200 and the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The extractor 200 can respond to a first force towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101 to compress the first elastic component 403, causing the first elastic component 403 to deform and store energy. When the first force applied to the extractor 200 is released, the first elastic component 403 resets, pushing the extractor 200 towards the top of the heating chamber 101.

[0129] In an aerosol provision device using central heating, the aerosol provision device 10 further includes a heating component 300. The heating component 300 is movable along the depth direction of the heating chamber 101. When the extractor 200 is in the first position, the heating component 300 is in a working position; when the extractor 200 is in the second position, the heating component 300 is in a non-working initial position.

[0130] Referring to Figures 6-8, the bottom of the housing 100 defines a first through-hole 103 connected to the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The top of the extractor 200 defines a receiving port 202, and the bottom defines a second through-hole 203. The receiving port 202 is connected to the top of the heating chamber 101 . A base 400 is arranged on a side of the housing 100 away from the opening 102. The heating component 300 includes a base support 302 and a heating element 301. The heating element 301 is fixed on the base support 302. The base support 302 is arranged on the base 400, and at least part of the base support 302 passes through the first through-hole 103 into the heating chamber 101. The heating element passes through the second through-hole 203 into the passage 201 of the extractor 200. The heating component 300 is configured to push the base support 302 to move downward along the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 to the working position when the extractor 200 is inserted downward into the heating chamber 101 and contacts the base support 302. The initial position of the heating component 300 is lower than the second position.

[0131] A second elastic component 404 is arranged between the heating component 300 and the base 400. The second elastic component 404 is compressed and accumulates an upward elastic force when the extractor 200 is in the first position, and it pushes the heating component 300 to return to the initial position towards the opening 102 when the extractor 200 disengages from the first position. In embodiments, the second elastic component 404 may include a spring or an elastic sheet, or other structures or materials that can reset after compression, to achieve the movement of the heating component 300 during the reset process.

[0132] This embodiment provides a cooperative mechanism in the heating component part that is adapted to the movement of the extractor 200. During the process of the extractor 200 moving towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101 , when the extractor 200 drives the aerosol-generating article 20 to a position where the heating element 301 may interfere with the filter layer of the article, the extractor 200 will compress the heating component 300, causing the heating component 300 to move synchronously with the extractor 200, effectively reducing or avoiding interference between the heating element 301 and the article.

[0133] In embodiments, a guide structure is also arranged between the base support 302 and the base 400. The guide structure includes a guide groove 306 and a guide strip 402 that slides in cooperation with the guide groove 306. One of the guide groove 306 and the guide strip 402 is arranged on the base support 302, and the other of the guide groove 306 and the guide strip 402 is arranged on the base 400. The guide structure ensures that the heating component moves along the depth direction of the heating chamber 101 , preventing the heating component from deviating. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the base support 302 includes a base support main body 303 and a protection plate 304 arranged around the base support main body 303. The heating element 301 is fixed on the base support main body 303. The protection plate 304 extends to a side away from the heating element 301 . The protection plate 304 extends in the depth direction of the heating chamber. The base 400 is at least partially accommodated in the space enclosed by the protection plate 304. In embodiments, the second elastic component 404 is arranged inside the base support 302 and is located between the base support main body 303 and the base 400. In embodiments, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the base 400 is provided with a base passage 401 . The base support 302 includes a guide body 305 fixed on the base support main body 303. The guide body 305 partially enters the base passage 401. One of the guide groove 306 and the guide strip 402 is arranged on the outer wall of the guide body

[0134] 305, and the other of the guide groove 306 and the guide strip 403 is arranged on the inner wall of the base passage 401. In another embodiment, the guide groove 306 and the guide strip 402 may also be arranged on the outer wall of the base 400 and the inner wall of the protection plate 304, respectively. The outer wall of the base 400 and the inner wall of the protection plate 304 slide in cooperation, which can also guide the movement of the heating component.

[0135] In the structure shown in Figures 6-8, the inner wall of the base passage 401 has a guide strip 402 protruding towards the center. The guide body 305 defines a guide groove

[0136] 306. When the base support 302 is installed on the base 400, the guide strip 402 is embedded in the guide groove 306 and can move along the guide groove 306. The second elastic component 404 is sleeved on the guide body 305 and is supported between the base 400 and the base support main body 303. The base support 302 can respond to a force towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101 to compress the second elastic component 404, causing the second elastic component 404 to deform and store energy. When the force applied to the base support 302 is released, the second elastic component 404 resets, pushing the base support 302 towards the top of the heating chamber 101.

[0137] Figures 11-13 illustrate three states of the aerosol provision device 10 using central heating. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the structure when the extractor 200 is in the second position. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the structure when the extractor 200 is in the first position. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the structure when the extractor 200 drives the heating component 300 to move towards the base 400. Referring to Figure 11 , when the extractor 200 is in the second position, the sliding component 501 is limited by the groove top of the second path. There is a gap between the bottom of the extractor 200 and the base support 302. The heating component 300 is in the non-working initial position. The first elastic component 403 and the second elastic component 404 are in a non-compressed state. Referring to Figure 12, when the extractor 200 is in the first position, the sliding component 501 is limited by the groove top of the first path. There is no gap between the bottom of the extractor 200 and the base support 302. The heating component 300 is in the working position. The first elastic component 403 is in a compressed state, and the second elastic component 404 is in a non-compressed state. Referring to Figure 13, when the extractor 200 switches between the first position and the second position, the extractor 200 will respond to a force towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101 to drive the heating component to move synchronously towards the base 400. At this time, the first elastic component 403 and the second elastic component 404 are compressed. The reset of the second elastic component 404 and the second elastic component 404 will bring the aerosol provision device 10 to the state shown in Figure 12 or Figure 11.

[0138] Although in Figures 11-13, the extractor 200 does not extend out of the heating chamber 101 in either the first position or the second position, in embodiments, to facilitate users in distinguishing when to start heating and when to remove the aerosol-generating article 20, the height of the extractor 200 in the second position can be set to be greater than that in the first position. For example, the extractor 200 can be set to partially extend out of the opening 102 at the top of the heating chamber 101 in the second position and retract into the heating chamber 101 in the first position.

[0139] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the working process of the aerosol provision device 10. Referring to Figure 14, the sliding component 501 is located at the second groove top 633 of the third groove body 630. The extractor 200 is in the second position. At this time, the first elastic component 403 and the second elastic component 404 are in a noncompressed state. When the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 20 into the extractor 200 through the opening 102 at the top of the heating chamber 101 and the receiving port 202 at the top of the extractor 200, a second force is applied to the extractor 200 through the aerosol-generating article 20, causing the sliding component 501 to slide from the third groove body 630 to the second groove body 620. When the sliding component 501 is located at the first groove bottom 623 of the second groove body 620, the extractor 200 drives the heating component 300 to move synchronously. The first elastic component 403 and the second elastic component 404 are compressed. Subsequently, the first elastic component 403 and the second elastic component 404 reset, driving the extractor 200 and the heating component 300 to move towards the top of the heating chamber 101. The sliding component 501 slides from the second groove body 620 to the first groove body 610. When the sliding component 501 is located at the first groove top 613 of the first groove body 610, the extractor 200 is in the first position. At this time, the first elastic component 403 is in a compressed state, and the second elastic component 404 is in a non-compressed state. When the extractor 200 is in the first position, the heating component works to heat the aerosol-generating article 20, thereby supplying aerosol to the user. After the smoking session ends, the user presses the aerosolgenerating article 20 to apply a first force towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101 to the extractor 200. The sliding component 501 slides from the second groove body 620 to the third groove body 630. When the sliding component 501 is located at the second groove top 633 of the third groove body 630, the extractor 200 is in the second position. The user can remove the heated aerosol-generating article 20.

[0140] In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article 20 is consistent with the direction of the second force. The extractor 200 can be driven from the second position to the first position while inserting the article, making the operation simple. When removing the aerosol-generating article 20, the user first holds the article and applies a pressing force towards the bottom of the heating chamber 101. The extractor 200 disengages from the first position. Then, under the drive of the first elastic component 403, the extractor 200 drives the article to move from the second position to the first position. During this movement, the relative displacement between the article and the heating element 301 in the heating chamber 101 reduces the friction between them, allowing the user to more easily remove the article.

[0141] Also provided is an aerosol provision system, which includes an aerosol provision device and an aerosol generating article. At least a portion of the aerosol generating article is removably received in the aerosol provision device. The structure of the aerosol provision device is as described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0142] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0143] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of the present application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0144] In the present application, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the application based on the circumstances.

[0145] Although the embodiments of the application have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the application. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the application can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above- described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a heating chamber defined in the housing; an opening to the heating chamber; and an extractor having a passage for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, the extractor being in the heating chamber and configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position along a depth direction of the heating chamber, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured such that: the extractor is releasably retained in the first position when the extractor is moved from the second position into the first position; the extractor is restricted from movement beyond the second position; the extractor is releasable from the first position in response to a downward first force; and the extractor is movable from the second position to the first position in response to a downward second force.

2. The aerosol provision device according to claim 1 , wherein the extractor comprises an outer peripheral surface; the heating chamber is defined by an inner wall; the aerosol provision device further comprises a guiding component and a sliding component movable along the guiding component; one of the guiding component and the sliding component is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the extractor, and the other of the guiding component and the sliding component is arranged on the inner wall of the heating chamber; and the guiding component defines a first path and a second path, the aerosol provision device being configured such that when the sliding component is at a preset position in the first path, the extractor is located at the first position; and when the sliding component is at a preset position in the second path, the extractor is located at the second position.

3. The aerosol provision device according to claim 2, wherein the first path and the second path comprise grooves formed in the inner wall and at least partially encircling the extractor in the circumferential direction, wherein the grooves respectively comprise groove tops that are recessed towards a top of the extractor, a highest groove top of the first path is lower than a highest groove top of the second path, the aerosol provision device beingconfigured such that the sliding component is releasably retained in the first position when it reaches the highest groove top of the first path, or the sliding component is in the second position when it reaches the highest groove top of the second path.

4. The aerosol provision device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first path and the second path are arranged circumferentially along the extractor.

5. The aerosol provision device according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of first paths and a plurality of second paths, wherein the first paths and the second paths are arranged circumferentially along the extractor in an interleaved manner, and are sequentially connected and communicate with each other.

6. The aerosol provision device according to claim 5, wherein the first paths and the second paths are connected to form a closed annular passage around the extractor.

7. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the guiding component is configured to allow one-way movement of the sliding component along the circumferential direction of the extractor.

8. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2 to 7, comprising a guiding surface is arranged between the first path and the second path, wherein the guiding surface is configured to guide the sliding component to move from a relatively upstream path to a relatively downstream path.

9. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2 to 8, comprising a unidirectional non-return structure arranged between the first path and the second path, wherein the unidirectional non-return structure is configured to prevent the sliding component from moving in a reverse direction.

10. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein: the guiding component further comprises a stopper; the stopper is located in the first path; and the aerosol provision device is configured such that when the extractor is subjected to the first force, the guiding component moves along the first path until it enters the stopper, and when the extractor is subjected to the second force, the guiding component disengages from the stopper and moves along the second path.

11. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a driving component, wherein the driving component is configured to drive the extractor from the first position towards the second position.

12. The aerosol provision device according to claim 11 , wherein the driving component is a first elastic component arranged between the housing and the extractor, the first elastic component is arranged to compress and to accumulate an upward elastic force when the extractor is in the first position, and the first elastic component is arranged to push the extractor to move towards the second position when the extractor disengages from the first position.

13. The aerosol provision device according to claim 12, wherein the first elastic component is arranged at the bottom of the extractor.

14. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first elastic component comprises a coil spring.

15. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising a heating component, wherein the heating component is movable along the depth direction of the heating chamber; and wherein the aerosol provision device is arranged such that when the extractor is in the first position, the heating component is in a working position; and when the extractor is in the second position, the heating component is in a non-working initial position.

16. The aerosol provision device according to claim 15, wherein the heating component comprises a base support and a heating element, the heating element is fixed on the base support, the base support is configured to move along the depth direction of the heating chamber to the working position when the extractor is inserted into the heating chamber and contacts the base support.

17. The aerosol provision device according to claim 15 or 16, whereinThe initial position of the heating component is further from the opening than the second position of the extractor.

18. The aerosol provision device according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a base arranged on a side of the housing away from the opening; a second elastic component arranged between the heating component and the base, wherein the second elastic component is arranged to compress and to accumulate an upward elastic force when theextractor is in the first position, and is arranged to push the heating component to return to the initial position toward the opening when the extractor is released from the first position.

19. The aerosol provision device according to claim 18, wherein the second elastic component comprises a coil spring.

20. The aerosol provision device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second elastic component is arranged in the base support.

21. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 18 to 20, comprising a guide structure arranged between the base support and the base, the guide structure comprising a guide groove and a guide strip in sliding fit with the guide groove, wherein one of the guide groove and the guide strip is arranged on the base support, and the other of the guide groove and the guide strip is arranged on the base.

22. The aerosol provision device according to claim 21 , wherein the base support comprises a base support main body and a protection plate arranged surrounding the base support main body, the heating element is fixed on the base support main body, the protection plate extends to a side away from the heating element, the base is at least partially accommodated in the space enclosed by the protection plate, and the second elastic component is arranged between the base support main body and the base.

23. The aerosol provision device according to claim 22, wherein the base comprises an outer wall, the protection strip comprises an inner wall, one of the guide groove and the guide strip is arranged on the outer wall of the base, and the other of the guide groove and the guide strip is arranged on the inner wall of the protection plate.

24. The aerosol provision device according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the base defines a base passage, the base support further comprises a guide body fixed on the base support main body, the guide body is arranged to partially enter the base passage, one of the guide groove and the guide strip is arranged on the outer wall of the guide body, and the other one is arranged on the inner wall of the base channel.

25. An aerosol provision system, comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol provision device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24, wherein at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is removably receivable in the aerosol provision device.

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